Fair Share becomes Dollar Tree

Dollar Tree could open as early as July 4

The former Fair Share grocery store, 6226 Roosevelt Rd., is being converted into a Dollar Tree location. The family-run grocery store closed in February after 44 years serving the southeast Oak Park community. Millco Investments purchased the property March 16 for $1.1 million with Dollar Tree serving as a tenant on a long-term lease.

"They're excited to open up business and we're excited to help them," said Millco Investments President Bobby Miller.

Despite the COVID-19 crisis, which has put many development projects on hold, construction crews have already started renovating the roughly 15,000-square-foot building and its accompanying surface parking lot.

"The village [of Oak Park] was generous to give us a demolition permit during the COVID and they've been a pleasure to work with," said Miller.

Dollar Tree is scheduled to open July 20 but Miller is "optimistic" that it could open before July 4.

The intention was always to have the property converted into a dollar discount store of some kind, according to Miller.

The building is undergoing improvements worth in excess of $300,000 during its transformation into a Dollar Tree, Miller believes. Construction crews are leveling the floors, redoing the roof and repaving the parking lot.

The new Dollar Tree will also have brand new signage, fixtures and counters, as well as new heating and air conditioning. Miller also believes the building will receive upgraded plumbing and electricity.

"I think the store is going to do exceptionally well in this market," said Miller. "It's a great community for them. It's an immediate neighborhood that's very dense. Roosevelt Road is a very well-trafficked road."

Fair Share, founded by brothers Joe and Vito Salamone in 1976, was a beloved neighborhood staple, offering friendly service and a wide selection of groceries. Over their 44 years doing business in Oak Park, the Salamones provided countless Oak Park teenagers with jobs and supported community organizations. Fair Share's closure was mourned by many.

"It always sad to see a long-standing neighborhood business go out of business. The seller, Joe Salamone, was looking forward to retirement and spending more time with his nine grandchildren. He was hoping to buy a boat so he could share more time with them," said Miller. "It is nice that the property can continue the service the community and Dollar Tree is looking forward to a successful relationship with the city of Oak Park and the community for the next chapter of this real estate."

This story previously misstated that Dollar Tree bought the property; the story has been updated to correct the error.

Love the Journal?

Become our partner in independent community journalism

Thanks for turning to Wednesday Journal and OakPark.com. We love our thousands of digital-only readers. Now though we're asking you to partner up in paying for our reporters and photographers who report this news. It had to happen, right?

On the plus side, we're giving you a simple way, and a better reason, to join in. We're now a non-profit -- Growing Community Media -- so your donation is tax deductible. And signing up for a monthly donation, or making a one-time donation, is fast and easy.

No threats from us. The news will be here. No paywalls or article countdowns. We're counting on an exquisite mix of civic enlightenment and mild shaming. Sort of like public radio.